Teachers, Students And Parents Gather To Protest Closing Of 37 Philadelphia Schools
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The School District of Philadelphia held its latest public meeting at South Philadelphia High School on Tuesday night, and those attending were greeted by protestors fighting the impending closure of 37 schools.
The rally was organized by the Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools and Juntos, a non-profit that works for equal rights for the Latino immigrant community.
About two-to-three dozen people gathered on the steps in front of the school's entrance. Among them were teachers, students and parents who are all opposed to the planned closures.
"Seems like there is a shift in our priorities by saving money instead of backing education. We always tell little kids they have to do better, they have to dream of something big, but yet we're taking away the tools they need to succeed," said Olivia Vazquez, a freshman at the Community College of Philadelphia. She says the closures will impact the city's Latino community the hardest.
"Because I speak English, I'll be able to help to fill out the 15-20 pages of applications to Charter School. But what happens to those parents who don't speak English, who don't have the time to do it? There's really no option for them," Vazquez added.
